3. Scientists grow contracting human muscle in the lab

Of course, writing can’t do this discovery any justice, so here’s a video:

4. Scientists recover the DNA sequence from a 4,500-year old human fossil

Credit: Kathryn and John Arthur

The best way to learn about the history of our human ancestors is though their DNA. While it’s certainly possible to extract DNA from fossils, scientists have had problems getting DNA from the fossils found in Africa. Scientists presume the reason for this is that the DNA is not able to withstand a constant barrage of harsh ultraviolet rays from the strong African sun. Nor would it withstand the constant humidity of the African tropics. However, scientists found that some DNA can, and that the best place to look is around the inner ear. Using a sample from that area, scientists obtained the complete genome sequence of a 4,5000-old human from Ethiopia. As we continue to gather more DNA sequences from other African fossils (now that we know where to look for them), we can better trace the history, migration, and evolution of our human ancestors across time.

5. NASA finds the best evidence yet of water on Mars

Credit: NASA

For a while, scientists have observed distinct streak patterns on the surface of Mars. While they’ve always suspected that flowing water formed such streaks, there was never any concrete proof to support their theory. This September, scientists finally produced convincing evidence that those streaks were indeed made by flowing water. Specifically, they detected magnesium perchlorate, magnesium chlorate, and sodium perchlorate in these streaks, all of which are hydrated salts requiring water for their formation. Now, whether there is (or was) life on Mars remains unknown. The fact that Mars likely has water means that there is at least the possibility for some form of life to exist.

6. The Candid Scientist

Of course, another great scientific achievement – if I say so myself – was the birth of The Candid Scientist blog. I’d like to give a big thank you to all my readers, and an even bigger one to all my followers. Overall, 2015 was a successful first year and I can only hope that 2016 will bring more of the same.